Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Valley High had the reputation of being the roughest high school in the city, and probably among the roughest county-wide. There were several gang fights there. I remember one black guy getting pounded to a pulp by a gang of Samoans. Nearby at Centennial Park, there were students and gang members that died in knife fights.

One time a guy got his throat slit while walking though Carr Intermediate School on his way into Valley High.

There was also a prankster club there called the "Crack Club". All they did was pull some unbelievable pranks, like hauling up some lunch benches up on to the roof of the Auditorium.

Watch out for Spirit Week! At this time, the seniors set their sights on the freshman and kicked their asses. I mean some kids got flat out beaten senseless. I imagine some lawsuits were filed between parents. I don't know how I managed to escape it.

At Valley High, they had a annual tradition called "The Kangaroo Court". The whole school went into the auditorium and watched a panel of judges (members of the senior class) pull some of the popular students out of the audience, and convict them of various sins. One guy was pulled up for having a reputation of dating a lot of girls. They blindfolded him, and told him that they would be bringing a mystery girl out, and that he would have to kiss her. Well, they ended up bringing his mother out! He grabbed her by the arms and laid a full-on open-mouth tongue-tickling kiss. Nobody expected such a thing; they thought it would just a peck on the lips. They pulled the blindfold off, and he just about wet his pants.

But due to political correctness, they cancelled The Kangaroo Court in 1982.

422 comments:

Hi SteveI graduated from SAV in 1974. The only violence I can remember on campus besides the occasional fist fight was some girlt pulled a knife durring a brawl and cut someone. Things were controlled pretty well by the administration and I felt safe. We had a pretty good sports program then and I think the student atheletes took pride in keeping things under control.Jim

I lived within the boundaries of Valley High, but want to Saddleback High School instead (1984 - 1988). Valley's violent reputation was so well known in the early 1980s, that my parents refused to enroll me there. Instead, they pretended to undergo a separation, so my mother and I could live with "family" in the Saddleback boundaries.

I graduated from SAV 2004, how times have changed. I neveer really reacall this whole violence scene, when I was in junior high two things attracted me to Valley the choir and the sports. Not to sound cocky but Valley has had the best Chamber Singers and Boys Varsity Basketball programs in the city. Stay Mighty fellow Falcons.

I graduated in 81. The kangaroo court incident happend before I got there, if it actually did. The knifing at Carr happend the year before I attended Carr, when it was still named Smedly, Smelly Smedly to us due to the dairy right across the street.

In 81 Valley had a bad rep but the school really wasn't that bad. I got a lot of flack from the F-Troopers for not being the typical hispanic gang member but never any trouble.

I live in San Luis Obispo now and the 23 year old kids are always asking about living in "The OC". I keep telling the we didn't call it that and it was nothing like the TV show.

Hey Steve,I went to Valley from 86 to 90, except for my junior year I went to Saddleback whick sucked so I returned to Valley my senior year. I remember it having a rough reputation. There was some fights and incidents but it was pretty typical of the city itself. Most of the troublemakers got kicked out or dropped out in a months time. But it sure was a tough looking crowd every year that first month. Inever thoght i say it but I mis those times at Valley.

hay im still going to valley right now and im having the best time of my life.i'm a jr now and loving it,its been fun.i graduat in 2007.i dont relly think valley is that violent at all. the only fights if seen was my own!=)

I graduated from Saddleback in '81. I lived in Valley high district but my mother somehow got me a permit to go to Saddleback. I went to McFadden Jr. High. My little sister lived on Townsend directly across the street from Valley's fenced in parking lot. High was a blast and I only heard of Valley's bad rep, never knew anyone who had first hand experience.

Hey Steve,I graduated from Valley in 2002. People are right; times have changed. Sadly, the people I meet still associate Valley with violence and having a bad reputation. I think they're trying really hard to continue to change that. But I've been gone for four years while attending college and I don't know, I live across the street and I notice the neighborhood is starting to take a turn for the worst- again. So everyone out there, please remember that one person can make a difference and please give back to the community.

I graduate from Vally in 2003. I was a jock, wrestling, and at the time, one of my friends got into a fist fight with a football player but no big deal though. But times have changed and violence has gone down.

Hi all fellow Valley High alumni. I too want to Valley (84 thru 87). I went to Diamond Elementary then to Carr (formerly Smedley) then VHS.

I stood out a little as I was one of the few white kids. It was predominately hispanic and samoan. I made sure to be friendly with the Samoans as they seemed a little more rough around the edges than the Latinos.

I have to say that I had a really great time while at VHS. There were a few times that I thought I was going to get my ass kicked but never did.

I was in the band and would have to say that some of my best memories to this date hapenned while in band class or at an event. The band was at it's peak during my tenure at Valley and I was very proud to be a part of it.

I was also mixed up with a goofy club called the Burger Boys. I don't know if anyone remembers them but we did crazy things around the school. All non violent of course.

Back in those days there wasn't a gang for every street in the neighborhood. The big gangs were F-Troop, WestSide and Del Hi... I never had any experiences with any of them so it wasn't a problem for me.

I live in Sacramento now and sure do miss the old days in the now called "OC". Northern California is nice but nothing beats good 'ol Orange County.

Hey Steve, well I graduated from SAV in 2005 and at that time there was still alot of violence that went on between students, but insteads of it happening on school campus it happened outside the school campus. During that time there was a lot of drug use going on, especially marijuana smokers. Despite all the drama I still Graduated with honors.

I was doing a little web surfing looking for a class reunion when I ran across your web comments about VHS. I attended VHS from 1966 to 1969. Way back then Santa Ana was a middle class city and the school had a white majority student body with about 25% black. The school had very little violence and I had it was a great experience. I was on the first water polo and swim team the school had. We never won any meets, but had a great time especially ‘playing’ the girls swim team in a year end water polo match. VHS had the best football team in the county for a number of years. I played football at Smedly during the days when we were undefeated for years. The few people that I have kept in touch with over the years all did very well. A number of them became lawyers and doctors. I became a scientist and have worked on global warming kinds of stuff.

Hi Steve, Well i actualy just moved from Santa Ana in 04' mostly because of all the drugs and violence that 'is' going on. Im a JR. now in Arroyo Grande, well i remeber this one time when i was a 9th grader a girl got in a big fight on Right & Edinger, that was the biggest fight ive ever been to there were atleast more that 100 students in the streets, her name was Martha i remeber like if it was just yesterday the other girls whose name i dont remember, but she got badly hurt the police went but no one got arrested. Well my last day at VHS i will never forget getting out of six period the fire alarm went of, well someone set a trash can on fire at the boys bathrooms, the whole building seemed like it was gonna go up in smoke luckily it didnt. I had good but also bad times at VHS the football games were the best i'll never forget those. My teachers Mr. Murphy who made sure we were paying attention all the time, Mr. Obierruter a.k.a Obie, he was the best, I will never forget all those wonderfull yet troubleing moments at VHS, wishing the best of luck for 'CLASS OF 2007 you guy 'ROCK'. Hey if anybody from Carr Inter. has the yr book from 2000 im willing to buy it just e-mail me at roxylizp@yahoo.com take good care everybody.

Hey Steve...I left Orange County (Santana) in 1996. I was involved with F-Troop/East Side Santana. Yeah...Santa Ana High is the craziest school out there. I know all the hoods...South- West- East Santana, 17thStreet their rivals 5th Street. Dogtown...Delhi...Santa Anita (big one) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, logan Park, really...just too many to name...Anyhow...I kept traveling back in forth in the central coast...San lUis obispo, Grover Beach, Morro Bay...but gangs have migrated up there too...They have Nipomo (Nipas) punks...and Oceano...They are every where...

Hi Steve! Went to SAV from 1966-1969 as did anonymous on may 18th. I loved it and recently went back with my 15 yr. old daughter and was appauld at the school...guess things just can't stay nice....but the roughest school in the county!

Hi Steve,I went to Valley High from 89-91 but had to move in the middle of my junior year. I loved being at Valley. There were some fights, but it was a great school to attend. I would love to get a hold of a yearbook for each of those years. Let me know if you have any info at alctucson@msn.com.

hey well i hve friends and cousins that go to valley and i hear from my cousin that there is still some fights and stuff well i live in garden grove and even my school knows valley is very dangerous to go there...well mostly all my family graduated from SAV

I was a former student at VHS from 2003-2005 from my 9th to some of the 11th grade. I'm currently attending summer school at VHS now Godinez at centenial. I feel like it's a jail. But will be moving back to Palm Springs when summer school is over. I attended Spurgeon Int. all three years. But 8th grade was the best. Kickin it with the homies after school, playing jungle ball, kickin it with the girlz. 8th grade was great. My Valley years were also great. What I miss the most is kickin it with the homies from Polo and the alumni from Polo. Robert, Hugo, Carlos, Monroe, Jose, Frank, Frankie, Erick, Go-Joe aka Porkys, Abner and many other greaser fools. Pewey and the Dukes. Loud Mouth, and many other rockabilly girlz. From what I've seen so far, many things have changed. Theres hotter ladies now. For some reason some got hot and some got ugly and old but I mean that in a good way. The violence at Godinez in minor. But in Valley I got to see many fights go down. Espcially between gangsters at the hand ball courts or outside campus.Those were the days.The violence exists now on the streets and is still high.Trust me I know. At Valley many gangs existed. West Side, South Side, Townsend, Myrtle and others.I miss going to all those great parties. Wether it was OG parties, Greaser parties, Punker parties, Party Krews, Rockabilly parties and etc. Now alot of people go to the Block of Orange. Well, halla to all the homies from Valley High and to all ladies that were cool with me. So many but some will always stay with my memory until death. Hey, looking for a year book of grad class of 2005. Willing to pay! Well, hope to hear more of the stories from now days and the old days. Especially the old days. Like I always say, "Puras ruckitas de a quellas, que no." With a forty on your hand.

I remember one time when I was in the 4th grade attending Lowell elementary. My brother Martin and I were playing soccer outside the bishop and flower appartments and infront was a little truck that would sell candy and sodas and stuff. Well, I remember seeing a guy run and jump a big fence so quick I didn't even see his face. Two minutes later we hear a scream and a cry from this teenage girl. Her boyfriend was fighting for his life because he had gotten stabbed badly. I remember seeing him on the floor mumbling and spitting out blood from his mouth. We never saw Termite ever again. Santa Ana is a very rough place to live in. I've seen many things and some of them are not pretty. Valley High and the city is a rough place and a not so good rep. But I don't regret ever moving to Santa Ana. So many great momories and more to come when I come back. Expect me to be back. The old days were the best when everyone use to kick it together. People change, some become s**T talkers and some think they're way too good for some reason. Well, you know who I'm talking about. Class of 2007 rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a 1966 graduate of Santa Ana Valley High. I loved my being an alumni of Valley. Go Falcons!!! we were CIF champs many times. I have been wondering about the Class of 66 reunions. does anyone know of one coming up? Where can i get in touch with someone. thanks,

Victor here from the great and mighty VHS Class of 1990. This is way too prophetic...so I woke up last night in the middle of the night and had quite a nostalgic dream about tons of friends from VHS from when I was there from '86 to '90. It would be so cool to reconnect with many of them.

At any rate, VHS was a bit like a diamond in the rough back in the late 80's. The entire city was experiencing a time of change due to the middle class exodus to the burbs. Couple that with immigration from war torn countries in Asia and Central America and you get an idea of what kind of change the entire city and school district were experiencing.

I'm a product of Santa Ana schools but I'm now living in the San Francisco Bay Area. I still have tons of family in the area down there including some nieces and nephews who've done K-12 in SA schools. What a trip...to see some of the family clan have the same teachers I had! Funny thing...I still keep in touch with my 1st grade teacher from Diamond...she was my teacher in 77-78!

Would love to touch base with any other VHS alums from '90 (or the shoulder years '89 or '91).

I graduated in 1993 and I loved it! Not a lot of violence when I was there, an occacional drive-by was about it. Attended many underground raves and I do remember when several of us were in mourning over the death of Kurt Cobain....Acid trips, balloons filled with nitrace.....oh those were some good times

Carol - your comment interested me as i also went to Smedly and Valley those same years. How can i find you and talk about those days. i need info on any past or future reunions. HELP. Reeny Kelly (Irene Gutierrez)

Victor~ who did you hang around with?? Did you have a gf then?? I vagely remember a Victor, but don't know if it's you. I'll look at my yearbooks and see if I can find you. I was in class of 1991. I'm a short little asian girl that was in band.

You went to Valley the same years as me. Clara Ortiz...I was a cheerleader, played on the field hockey team, ran track, and was an all round Santa Ana girl. I loved high school. It was kinda ruff. I remember our football games being a little crazy especially when we played Santa Ana. Man, we had a blast. I tell people about Kangaroo Court, and laugh my ass off just thinking about it. Remember when Craig Bryant was the king of the court. That was way too funny. We used to buy weed from the suck ass security gaurds, mess with the white security gaurd Linda. do you remember her. My boys were Elliott Dunning, Norman Moss, Robby Boyd, Gary Gant, Rabbit, and my high school sweetheart Richard Calvin. We had a great school, our athletics were the shit back then. And everyone else in Orange County thought we were the rough ghetto school. I went to Spurgeon, and Monta Vista elementary. How about you?

Steve,,,, I'm from the 64' class. Racial problems, for me didn't kick-in tell my senior year. A lot of my friends were black, mexican, white, etc. Some of my black friends got envolved with the "Black Panthers" and things changed. To bad. I grew up in the Delhi area. We were mixed in color. Most of us, at that time were color blind to eachother. Not to much in gang stuff was going on, at that time. 1965 changed that. Watts Riots and so on. Things were simple and not to bad before 1965. Al least for most people. It was fun going to Lemon Heights, Back Bay, Peters Canyon just crusing, double dating or not. At school you had surfers coming to there own. Movies from Bruce Brown in the auditorium. Myself and a couple of other guys were making boards. What a great time looking back now........

Hi - i am looking for anyone who attended VALLEY from 1964 through 1966. please contact me. reenybabe@hawaii.rr.com orkelly.reeny@principal.comthanks. would love to share some memories with you re: classmates and teachers.

Hey to all,,I wrote the article on the 18th. Someone needs to make a movie about us !!!! LOL Back in those days, the only war was the one between the Fab4 and the Beach Boys. I haven't been in Santa Ana for 30 years. Have friends that come up to visit. Sounds like a lot has changed for the bad. To many people bending politics and the rules. We need values again. Not everyones culture pushed on to us. Culture stays at home. I have native-american blood but I do not need to advertise it. I had better go because I will get on a rip with this.......hope for better times in Santa Ana.......

Your story sickens me.This is exactly how schools especially Valley High received a bad name. Fools like you talking about incidents that didn't happen or your alleged accounts of what you thought happend. I'm not even sure why you wrote it? I was a well respected guy and very much connected with the "IN" crowd. I transferred from Saddleback to Valley and it was the best decision I could have made. Look man, every school has their problems even the Mater Dei’s of the world. Stop talking like you lived in South County all your life with a GOLDEN SPOON in your mouth. Class of 1986.

Hey Steve, I graduated in 1977 and played football and basketball, but got the best education and culutural experience while attending Valley. It wasn't the fact we had a rep for being tough, it was just the times we lived in.

I had great teachers at Valley from 1973-77. Anyway, because of that great Valley education, I have been a success.

hey stevei graduated in 1995 and at that time there sure was a lot of gang bangers. i now live in fullerton and when i go visit my friends i sure dont regret getting outta that area. i like to live where theres peace and quiet. i dont want my kids to grow up like that or go that school. i just remember mr hernandez. he was the best teacher i had.... why cant there be a school where all kids could get along and who the hell invented gangs and drugs??????????

Steve,,,,,,,I started at Edison Elementry,went to Lathrop Jr. and then to Valley. I'm from the 64 class. Two frats were started. The Phiotas and Alphetas. Not sure of the spelling. We had some good parties down at Scotchman's Cove and Little Corona. Really fun times. Looking back, best times in my life except for when my kids were born. That was the best......

Steve sounds to me like you are disgruntled about your child hood. I did not think SAV was a bad school. I have done well for myself and I grew up in SA and graduated from SAV. I agree with Clara Ortiz it was a blast and thanks Clara for leaving out the rest of the crew. Oh, I forgot we are white. Ha Ha. Dan Perry, Joey Goodine, Drug etc. Where were you at the 20th? Also Steve, if you are willing to write something so harsh you should have put your full name to it. I went there the same years and do not ever remb a gang fight on campus. There were a few so called gangs but nothing like todays day and age. I also lived 2 blocks from the school on Harvard Street and still never had any problems. Maybe you went to the wrong places if you saw all those negative things.I remb alot of great parties and great sports. I do not look back at my past as being negative as you wrote. I went to John Adams, Carr, SAV and then off to the USMC.Glenn Warrington

Steve,I graduated in 1996. I thought SAV was a great school.The staff was very friendly. I had the time of my life attending classes there. I did not witness any violence during my 4 years there. You really are giving people the wrong perception about the school.I am a proud graduate!!! Class of 96 baby.

I was in the class of 86. There were very few fights as I remember. The biggest and funniest fight I ever saw was when the water polo team got into a fight with a group of vietnamese kids playing basketball that grew into all atheletes (foobball, track, wrestlers) against about 20 vietnamese kids.

Or when I stole a bag of 100 frogs in formaldehyde from science class and threw them down the hall and in the girls restroom... lol

The only drugs I remember was the weed I smoked before Mr. Soto's Eng Lit class and couldn't stop laughing and he made me take Drama class in order to pass his class which football players just didn't do. Which led to me getting the starring roll in the christmas play and all the football players clowning me while I was on stage. Which led me to me grabing my crotch instead of bowing at the end ... lol (did not go over too well with school officials or parents)

But my memories are not of gangs drugs or violence, just good times at VHS

Steve,I attended VHS in 78-81. Would have graduated in 1982. I remember Kangaroo Court and Spirit Week. We had a blast. I was part of The choir and Chamber Singers the whole time I was there. Mr. Palacios was our director. In 1979 we went on a Music tour to northern California. That was so fun. I wish that if any one has recordings of those days in choir or chambers singers, that I could get a copy. goldy36locks@yahoo.com

Hi Steve just happened to google my highschool and saw this,,,I was class of 1996...I loved my time at Valley...miss it so much..not much violence at this point.I also went to Diamond then Carr and then Valley...Thanks for the post brought a lot of good memories...Norma Yanez Class of "96"

This is now for Glenn!Damn dude, its Clara. I loved reading your blog comments. I'm so sorry I left out the white boys, you guys know you were all like family. Wow, you really made me remember all the fun. Ok, I just got back from Hong Kong. I didn't even get an invite to the 20th. Shit.We had a ridiculously good time in High School, and so so many of us have done incredibly well for ourselves. So, to anyone who says Valley was bad, fuck em', they were probably losers anyway.If you ever want to get in touch email me directly, claire.ortiz@gmail.com.

hi steve!! Im Hector from the class of '06 and the last class from the original Valley High School. It was a really great experience to be part of the falcon nest, not to mention being part of the wonderful of the marching band and the X-Country team. It was a memory to remember!!

Hi, Wow it has been forever since High School. So sorry to hear that your times at Valley we're so rough Steve who??? As for me it was great. Yeah there we're fights and some drugs, ha, ha!! But life was great then and now. I haven't been home in 16 years. We are retired Navy and I've been there, done it, seen it. I hope that you've moved on from your bad experience. I think Valley helped me be the person I am today. (I don't take much shit from anyone - then or now). Roll with the punches fella. Now for those of you wondering who I am. Robin Powers (Joseph) 1984. Wish everyone the best in life. Take care. Love all who care.

Hey SteveI graduated from VHS in '80 and played football and track. During my years we were known as being tough and hard to beat in sports. I was also in the so called "in crowd" and did see my share of fights, but it was not that bad. At least it was man to man and not gun to man! I did have a great time and got a good education with many friends and great teachers. Now I own my own business and live a pretty good life, but I will always be proud to be a Falcon!! What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

I went to valley high for two years I moved went i start my junior year. i was in the soccer team the cross country team and track and field. i miss the times in valley high school.i miss school and my friends but i move to corona i am gratuating on 07.irene delgado

I attended Valley until '77. Lots of fights from Biker Hessians and from the Crips from LA. FTroop wasn't too big yet, at Valley anyway. Used to be a little store down the street. I was in it when it was robbed and the owner shot. Anyone remember when a car almost came through the wall at Diamond? Remember Victor Age? Mike Schriefer? Or the Promers'?

Smokers out by the gate and fights in the quad. The Head Security Guard "LC" the SA Cops who sold pot on campus. Man, what memories. I could go on for days.

hey im astudent from santa ana high school an iwas in gangs to. but let ne tell every youngster that they dont even no how thug life 1s.you dont even no how to act like thugs.let tell you guys that are in agang ok there a diferant of thug and a gangster athug is that makes money gets respect and doesent gudge people.o and agangster is aperson that consumes the thugs drugs and nobody gets respect to the person that is agangster and you now what happens to a gangster a bullet in your face or get beat to death.ha you no what im thug o and i roll whith real homies D.U.K lil blaky

I graduated in 1963 - all those comments about The Rendevous, Dick Dale, Little Corona, etc brought back many good memories. We were always "that other school" in Santa Ana at that time. Friday night football games were a blast. I Haven't lived in Santa Ana since 1966 but at that time it was a great place to grow up as a kid. I went to Edison Elementary and Lathrop Jr High before Valley High. Phil B.

I WENT TO VALLEY,SADDLEBACK,LOS AMIGOS,CONTINUATION SCHOOL IN SANTANA.I GREW UP RIGHT THERE ON GREENVILLE AND EDINGER(CROSS STREETS OF VALLEY. I STARTED VALLEY RIGHT WEN THEY STARTED THAT BLOCK SCHEDULE. I HATED THAT SHIT.BUT MY TIME THERE, THERE WAS ALOT OF GANGS AND VIOLENCE AT THE SCHOOL.FOR THOSE WHO SAY VALLEY WAS A GOOD SCHOOL AND THAT THERE WASNT ANY VIOLENCE UR ALL STUPID. U ALL DONT KNOW SHIT ABOUT VALLEY.IM FROM BROWNSIDE LOS HUSTLERS GANG, ME AND MY HOMIES CONTROLED VALLEY AROUND 97-99.THEN WE ALL GOT KICKED OUT PRETTY MUCH.AND TO LIL BLACKY FROM DUK UR STUPID HOMIE, U DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THUG GANGSTER IS.U MAKE ME LAUGH. AND TO TOP IT OFF U CANT EVEN SPELL. MR SLICK BRS13 SANTANA

ALSO AFTER SCHOOL EVERYDAY FROM VALLEY ON EDINGER AND GREENVILLE,THERE WAS ALWAYS DRIVE BY'S.STUDENTS COMING OUT,DIDNT CARE WE WERE THERE PATROLING.SOMETIMES WE WOULD EVEN GO TO VALLEY LOOKIN FOR OUR ENEMIES. FUK VALLEY I DIDNT LIKE IT,BUT TO GET THE STORY STRAIGHT VALLEY WAS A GANGSTER SCHOOL JUST LIKE THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,CA. (SANTANA)MR SLICK BSR13

Well i never wen to Valley High but i know there was alot of things that happened there. i lived right by it. just like a minute or 2 aways from there. i lived on Sullivan St. I live up here in Corona but i still remember the days in Santa Ana. There were drive-by's everyday in my barrio, yea South Sullivan St. there were always cops cruising down Sullivan. I wish i can go back to Santa Ana. People up here always talk shit about Santa Ana, pinche putos. But yea Santa Ana is always going to be my hometown. i was raised on 1917 South Sullivan St.

Hi everyone I have a question I just moved from San luis Obispo to Oceano and I have noticed a number of gang tags all sayin "O13" or "Oceano 13" even one on my the other side of my fence in my backyard but anyways are they really something I should worry about? Are they real deep? and who are there rivals if any?

I had the BEST experience at Valley High School. I attended back in 92 and there was hardly any fights. Back in the day, there was more of party crews and greasers or thats what we called them.. we had so many fun activites and pep ralleys in the quad..we got along well with all walks of life and its sad to hear that Valley has gone from bad to worst...I will always be proud to be a Falcon..Long live Valley High School!!

Dude all you people not only make Valley look like a piece of shit but the city of Santa Ana as well. Thats pretty sad. As a matter of fact, I'm attending Valley High School this year and for the past 3 years. I'm a senior right now and trust me there's plenty of smart bright people attending this school. There's actually people that care about their education and teachers that are there actually busting their ass trying to help students graduate and get their education. There has been violence through out the years i've been there but not like you ppl describe it. Just minor fights and what not but I believe that the things that happen at Valley, happen at any other school. So pleaase stop exaggerating. As as for those stupid gangsters saying they control this and they control that. Eeeh reality check YOU DONT OWN SHIT! That's why you have to claim a stupid street, territory whatever you wanna call it.

Falcons Fight Fight! This is what brings us all together as a big family. We are all Falcons; put all the gangs aside in remembrance of our great times at Valley. The times at Mrs. Conners Class are unforgetable and also having lunch at Valley Villa. We also had great Basketball players. We where rank #2 in the county right under Mater Dei. That's what I'm talking about. Last year we where Basketball League Champs 05-06 season. FYI

Yes,there where also some great fights. I was part of some which made my time Valley interesting. Every Class has something to remember; every group of students thought they ruled the place just because they ruled the place where they ate lunch; behind the wall(the wall behind ceramics).

Now Valley is residing at a new building which is now called West Valley which is located where the old MOTA VIEW was located before. It's a state of the art building. Valley in being restored.

Josh ... please tell us more about the current state of affairs at Valley. I graduated in 1967. The paint was hardly dry on the place. (I know, all you '62 and '63 grads are bristling with adolescent pomposeness right now ... up yours ... now, as then.) What's up with the move and new buildings?

Santa Ana in the 1960s, with the two-school rivalry between Santa Ana High and new-kid-on-the-block Valley High was, in spite of itself, simply idyllic. Especially comparing what was then a just-beginning blend of socioeconomic-geographic-international-cultural origins, hormone-driven assertiveness, and ethnic juice with what is now.

The essential difference between us then and what exists now, I suppose, is the caliber of weapons. For us, the most exotic menace was the occasionally-wielded knife which was immediately declared unfair and discarded as a result. Most often, it was simply about fists and feet. Fighting, in those early innocent days was, in fact, really fun (at least for those of us who were any good at it). Worst thing could happen was a busted nose and a little non-viral bloodshed. Like I say ... fun.

Clearly the gangs (I was, in fact, a member of Alpheus, as opposed to the more effite, frat-rat, and repressed-effeminate Phiotas) have gotten a bit more dependent on firearms than we ever imagined then. It's a shame, as far as I am concerned, because strength, muscle, and cunning paid off then ... now all a pussy has to do is pull a trigger.

Whew ... what was I saying? Oh yeah ... the move. Where is SAV going, Josh? Next time I'm in town on business, am I going to miss it if I turn left off Edinger onto S. Greenville? (I have my own brand of nostalgia-driven "drive-by" ... benign, yet potent in it's own right.)

And oh, Steve, what a trip finding this blog. It's been almost 40 years ... 07 will be 40 ... since I have had any ... ANY ... interaction with anyone about Valley High. Guess it's time for a new bookmark ...

Turns out we really do have a family here ... and it doesn't appear to be significantly more dysfunctional than any other I have had occasion to call mine. It is also very interesting to read the posts (in spite of their occasional disturbingly illiterate structure, tone, and facility with our precious language) and realize how little ever changes ... All of a sudden I am back at those seemingly neverending football practices at Smedley and Valley smelling that disgusting, strangling dairy across the street in the stifling September smog.

Hello all, I attended Santa Ana High from 91 to 94 and we didn't even know Valley had such a bad rep. We always thought of those kids as wussies. I guess times have changed, or rather, the problems have shifted.

I graduated in 1994. It was quite a time. We had every conceivable type of group possible from gang members, to jocks, greasers, party crews, the really smart kids and so on. I remember bad ass rebel Math Teacher Mr. Murphy, Coach Linder and so on. I remember some of my friends then; Zarah Declaro, Shawn Jarrett, Cesar Garcia, Marty Aguilar, and others. They were good times and we had fun. It's a shame we couldn't stay in contact. Needless to say I wish everyone from the class of 94 the best.Your friend always,Paul Westside

Hi!I was at Valley from 73 to 74... There were fights but it did not involve everyone... My Mom was really afraid to enroll me there, but there were no problems for me.... On my first day of school while sitting in my Biology Class, there was a stabbing and all you know what broke loose... but from that point on I do not remember any issues... I had a blast!

WASSUP STEVE IWENT TO VALLEY TROUGHOUT 2004-07 BUT I GOT SEND TO ANOTHER SCHOOL BUT YEAH ISTILL GO AFTER SCHOOL EVERYDAY TO GO POSTUP WITH THE HOMIES BUT YEAH RIGHT NOW NOT THAT MUCH VIOLENCE AT VALLEY OR FIGHTS THE ONLY FIGHT THAT IKNOW OF WERE THE ONES WE CAUSED WITH THE RIVAL KREW MEMBERS TUP(PELA) VS. PFK THATS WHERE IM FROM RIGHT KNOW BUT TO BE HONEST THE YEAR OF 05-06 WAS THE MOST VIOLENT YEAR CAUSE ALOT OF KREW FIGHTS ALOT OF CHOLO RUMBLES TOO.TOWNSEND ST. WAS THE MAIN GANG AND ONLY GANG THAT WENT TO VALLEY LIKE 10 GUY WENT DURING 05.BUT RIGHT KNOW THERES NO MORE TOWNSEND ST.ERS THAT GO TO VALLEY.BUT YEAH TOO MUCH VIOLENCE IREMEMBER IUSE TO LIVE 2 HOUSES AWAY FROM VALLEY ON GREENVILLE ST. AND CALIFORNIA.SINCE I WAS FROM PFK IALWAYS WAS KINDA NERVOUS GOING HOME CAUSE RIVAL SMS ERS. USE TO WAIT FOR ME IN THE CORNER.IWAS KINDA SKARED CAUSE SMS WAS AND KINDA STILL IS THE STRONGEST KREW IN SANTA ANA BEFORE IT USE TO BE GOLDEN WEST GANG BUT NOW IS SMSKREW.TODAY IS FEB.6.2007 ON JANUARY A GUY THEY CALLED DEMS FROM SMS WAS SHOT AND KILLED BY VALLEY.TO BE HONEST ILOVE AND MISS VALLEY HIGH THE FIGHTS THE GIRL THE HOMIES.MOWSEY SHADOW BISSY BONES SMOKEY FAZE CLOWN....... EVERYBODY THAT WAS FROM PFK DURING 04-07 UNTIL LIKE NOW THERES ONLY LIKE 3 GUYS LEFT IN THAT KREW ME SMOKEY AND KIDD THE REST OF THE HOMIES EITHER WENT TO GANGS LIKE WALNUT ST. OR ARE LOCKED UP OR MOVED BUT YEAH IMIIS THE GOOD OLD DAY DAAAAM ESPECIALLY THE GIRLLLZ BUT FUCKIT YOU KNOW....I CHOSE THE RIGHT FOOTSTEPS TOWARDS MY LIFE IMSTILL A YOUNGSTER IM 16 BUT YEAH IMISS VALLEY...DAAAM IWISH ICOULD GO BACK...gHOSt fROm PFK,2007 still UP anD ALive..

This is Kavyn Finley, attended Carr Intermediate was in the Sugar Ray Youth Club, anyone remember Mr. Mays. I went to Valley High School my freshman year the security guard Lucky was there but unfortuately I got kick out and sent to boring ass Saddleback. Anyone remember Freddie Williams, Janette Williams, Sophia Price, Sonya Lacey, Kris Thomas and Keisha McGill well those were my girlz. Had to get out of Cali so my mom thought I would get into trouble. Moved to hot ass Las Vegas. My graduation year was 1982 but when I lived there I hung out at the Center. You may know my friends, Craig Bryant, Big Dave, Watha English, Tim and Russell Harris, Tookie and Myron, Mikhail, Pasha, my girlz from Tustin High Michaelann. Does anyone know how Steven Carroll, Duece Hawkins, Darren Speed, Jay Hall, Rudy Hall are doing. Hit me up if you remember me xquisite5164@aol.com

OK, it looks like I go back farther than anyone else here: graduated in 1963 after three full years at Valley. Ah. Life as we knew it. If there were gangs, or fights, or issues, I didn't see them. The school was well-mixed ethnically but everyone got along. ... End of naive comments. Whatever problems there may have been were below the surface. We had (mostly) great teachers, a good range of activities--including Kangaroo Court, which was fun except that I was once hauled up for not wearing blue on "You gotta wear blue" day. The sports teams were terrific and at least one classmate went to the Olympics, I think. To a previous poster: yes, I remember Mr. Bernard, who always seemed to give me lower grades for not using two-dollar words. But he invited me to come back and speak to his class after I had been away at university for a couple of years. Flash forward now to about 1990, more or less, when I was driving through Santa Ana and decided to see what the school looked like. Except for some massive fence and a few more temporary buildings, it looked exactly the same. The neighborhood looked the same. I drove by the house on Center St. where we lived, and swear the same plastic bucket was still out by the garage. All it took was tuning into one of those oldies radio stations and all the angst of the experience came roaring back. But of course it wasn't the same, and neither was I, and I drove away, and for reasons of real and psychological distance, that will be it for me and Valley. I am sorry to read of many of the things that happened later. Most likely they were not unique to Valley. So here's a question from me, to prove how far back this goes: does anyone remember Mrs. Minard??

Hi Steve and thanks for this website. I graduated from Valley in 1987; I attended 84-87 and sort of remember the fights and violence. I was supposed to attend Saddleback high, I was there for about 2 months my freshman year and could not handle the 'fakeness' of the students so I transferred to Valley where I thought the 'real' people went. Thinking back, the mix of students was awesome, lot of Asians, Mexicans, Samoans and a few whites. I loved everything that Valley offered, I cherish my experiences there. All the teachers were nice and I had the best time. I now live in Central California, moved here because of my husband's job but I miss Santa Ana, my family and friends who are still there. I keep in touch with a few of my friends who also attended Valley and we always remember the good times. I agree with some of the comments that "The OC" is not what we see on TV, the show needs to go down to the barrio to see what's really happening. Also, Valley got a "face lift" and moved to a new location in Centenial Park, I saw it for the first time last year (2006) and it looks awesome. Good luck to all that attended Valley in the past and to those who are there now.

HELLO I AM CURRENTLY ATEENDING VALLEY HIGHSCHOLL! WOOT WOOT GO CLASS OF 2010!!! WELL YEAH THER ARE ALOT OF FIGHT THERE BUT ME AND MY FRIENDS TRY HARD TO AVOID THEM BUT OTHER THEN THAT IT IS PREETY COOL THERE! GO GIRLS VRASITY SOCCER!! GO COACH YORK N COACH K!!!!! I LOVE JHOCLYN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I attended Valley in 74-78.I remember that store up the streeton Greenville.It was called Gordons Market.I remeber LC the security guardriding around in that blue cart.I also smoked by the side gate.I lived across Raitt St. on Harvardthrough the short cut.

I attended VHS from '74 to '78. Sure, there was some violence, but nothing like you're describing. There was a mix of black, hispanic and whites there, with a few Samonans and Vietnamese. Mostly, we got along. I was the kind of person who had friends in a lot of groups. I went to Diamond, actually lived on the block that Diamond was on. Went to Smedley, then to VHS. I was a manager on the swim and water polo teams, worked in the Valley Villa, and was an editor for the Essense literary magazine. I have wonderful memories of Valley.

Seems like EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE. I graduated from SAV in 1966, was student body vice-president, and can remember less that 5 fights on campus from 63 to 66. Fond memories of vice principal Mr. Kirwan (aka Turkey), Steve Foote terrorized that poor guy. A gallon Red Mountain (horrible wine) cost 99 cents a gallon, station wagons with curtains over the windows, Chris Harvey's dad was mayor of Santa Ana, Al Martinez's dad owned the best car paint shop in town. Great memories. GO FALCONS!

Hello from class of '68I enjoyed reading all the posts, especially from the "older" ones. One post referred to the Essence magazine. I STILL have 3 of the very early ones. Writers in the making. The "leaders" of Class of 68 has been just great at planning all the reunions and gatherings and there have been many over the years. We even have a website www.savhs68.com that is informative and fun to check out. Classmates.com is also a great source to get in touch with people. Old boyfriends have found me, and I have found others.... : )Any other classmates from '68 contact me at evlyn889@yahoo.com and I'll forward you 40th reunion info.

Hello Valley Falcons,I attended Valley from 72-76. I enjoyed my high school years there. I remember the knifing in one class, but other than that I don't remember school being scary or threatening. I did get punched in the eye walking home from Rec Night once, but that was just because Ronelle K. could not stand that I was a better athlete than her, and had to get her boys to jump me. I loved playing and watching sports at school, I remember the Kangaroo Court, I remember Mr. Hawn...who has passed away, and Crotch Cutter Satrappe (sp). The blue and gold everywhere during homecoming was always great, although I have never returned for a HC since. I still live in Santa Ana, though not on Harvard where I grew up. I wouldn't trade my high school years for anything, great memories.Becky

damn i read every comment written on this page!...interesting stuff i even read yours eric s...lol....yup i know who your are!...lol...and to ghost from PFK i read yours too and i got all sad!...why cause i miss SHADOW! he's busted right now!... =( ...and to everyone else wow you guys have some good stories...yup well i attend Valley "West" High...lol...and its not as bad as you all say even though i know bout the gang fights and everything...but the main ones i know is townsend and west myrtle!...and southside since those are the only 3 im rly interested in not rly townsend but you got to keep your enemies close right!...well other then the minor gong fights i everytings all good...i could say i have a lot of friends there and i having fun!

hey valley is preety cool i remember when my brother would go there 2 years before and i would wish i was in high school already ....i started in jackson then got transfered to jhon adams...then i went to mc fadden that was the crazy day's ....as i went to valley i remember my freshmen year there were alot of gangsters posted up behind the little ass tree next to the gym ...i guess they thought that was the hidding place which everyone can see them either way and as the years roled by there were less gangsters eiter they were locked up ,dead,or somewhere out there looking for a life ....and we would kick it in front of the gym also...i knew everyone from the gangsters to the punkers to the ballers ....i just knew everyone....but yeah i miss the good old day's with my girls...shorty,lady bones,claudia,aracely,anabell,jasminliz,yvette,diana,.....but now they all go to loren griset academy(mountain view)...now its not the same with the new school and all u cant kick it after school like the old valley when no one wanted to go to school but as soon as school was over everyone kicked it in front of the jim till we got kicked out .....now no one kicks it as soon as the bell rings everyone goes there own seperate ways ...now i kick it with.lorena ,biggs,carol,,penut,and also i met the love of my life you guys probably know him Hercules.... i miss the crazy ass figts back then ...now they are just lame ...well except for that day that there was like 7 fights in one day that day was funny...well yeah i think i wrote to much..that is my story...

Valley High School, I have many great memories from that school. I graduated in 2000, sometimes I wish I was still in school, there are many things we take for granted and school is one of them. When I was going to Valley there were a lot of fights, I remember being involved in quite a few of them (not something I am proud of). Things have changed in California it is really messed up. Everybody I knew is either busted or tweakers with half their minds gone. I moved out of Califoria in 2001 and currently reside in Glendale, AZ.

Background: The OJ Blog (“web log”) has been evolving into a more active community based site to get local news and discussions. Here is the general site: http://o-juice.blogspot.com/

If you read down the page, you will see about a dozen Blog entries on any given day. Underneath each topic is a place to read/post comments. Art Pedroza owns the blog and is a resident of Santa Ana. His children all attend SAUSD schools. There are also several other bloggers who write for OJ on a variety of topics. Thomas Gordon, Sean Hill and Claudio all have entries about SAUSD. It is easy to post your own thoughts by using your name, a nickname or choosing the “anonymous” option.

Past: In the upper right hand corner, Art Pedroza has put a menu item called “SAUSD Corruption?” . Click there and you will get a selection of different blog entries/comments on the scandals that have been in progress with our district. One of the blog staff will post an article/issue/meeting notes under some topic headline and others will comment – not necessarily staying on the exact topic, but most comments address the district. Gossip and district trivia are often mentioned.

The longest running blog post w/ nearly 900 comments today is the one called “SAUSD corruption coming out now that Mijares gone”. It pretty much stays at the top of the menu. It has news and links to items going back several years. That scandal at Valley with the 3 counselors is mentioned and preserved for history numerous times there, for example. Tony Espinosa’s criminal past is exposed and Ester Jones’ past fraud story is also there, along with comments about district perverts, pedophiles and other disorderly conduct. It’s a pretty crazy thread, but worth the read.

Present: You will find links to Times and OC Register articles about the overcrowding of 9th grade classes here: http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/04/sausd-update-9th-grade-classes.html

This is one of the more recent set of discussions and people are really beginning to air the district’s dirty laundry: http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/04/sausd-substitute-shortage-or.html

This was an older blog entry, but it is fun b/c a district administrator (Lewis Bratcher) is the photo in the header and he’s napping at a board meeting. The discussion is lively and has juicy gossip and talk of trying to fly a new school bond so taxpayers can pick up the tab of what looks to be exceptionally wide-spread incompetence in SAUSD management: http://o-juice.blogspot.com/2007/03/asleep-at-wheel.html

If you find this little guide helpful, please feel free to forward it around. I only ask that you remove my name b/c I don’t want the crybabies and cowards bugging me right now. The baddies who need to intimidate others into silence about the corruption they practice, predictably hate freedom of speech, and fear this blog. ;-)

I graduated From SAV in 1970. I am looking for a yearbook From that year. The Class of 1970 was a great Class everyone had High achieving dreams. It was a year of Change!! I was the first Black to become a songleader. I am now a teacher/socialworker. My name is Ava Glasco AKA Ava Leedy.

I graduated from Valley in 1981. I happen to be one of the founding members of the "Crack Club" and I also was on the track team (pole vault). As for the school having a bad rep, thats all it was, a reputation, we had the occaisional fist fight, but that was about it. All of the teachers were great and I had a very good experience. It's too bad about them discontinuing the Kangaroo Court, that was a blast.

I went to Valley from 91-95.I was never afriad to attend the school. I never realized Valley had such a bad reputation. I think its a shame that these stupid little cholo boys like Mr. Slick BRS13 really think they owned and controled Valley, and people like them feel they own Santa Ana. They most likely will never truly own anything of their own. They have the opportunity to get an education and they have to go and act like animals shooting each other trying to cause fear. If they really want to fight they should go to the war. It's people like them that give minority groups and Valley High School a bad name.

Hi All,I graduated class of "1994" .. We were the first class that started "GLOBAL BUSINESS" with Mr. Bartholio , rememeber that! The staff/teachers were all supportive and cared for our future!!! I remember nothing but good times! I truely miss those days for sure and I wish I had kept in touch with all of you. If anyone is around keep in touch email me @ alicialopez@landam.com.

Graduated in 1967 and remember lots of the comments posted. Mr. Kirwan was a turkey. I remember fights but not too many and fewer at school. Most were after school and everyone new where to go to watch. I had a lot of good memories but none really great. Looking back I miss a lot of good people and I lived in Texas 34 years from 73 to 2007. I go by there now and see it is being torn down and the neighborhood looks terrible. I grew up on Lowell St. and went by there and it is in bad shape too. I am here to take care of my Mom and it would be nice to see some old friends from the good times in Santa Ana. Time does fly and we can't do all we want in lifes short stay on earth. JVD

Well,you got one of the really ollllld ones, here one of the first graduating class, 1962. It was fun to be the ones to pick the mascot, the colors, the types of clubs and all the fun stuff. I admit the biggest issues I can remember are trying to find a place to sneak a cigarette, just the plain kind. Times were good. Times have changed I can see from a recent drive by I did of the school, not a welcoming place anymore. We have all had a part in what it has become I guess, even me by my complacency in not seeing things like this deteriorate. Why are we content to come here to this country and then trash it? Can't answer that. As you can see, I did not graduate with honors in philosophy, although the education i got there did earn me a good career with a good retirement. Good luck to all. Graduating Class of 1962.

Hi,I graduated from SAV in 04, and alot had change by that time, the school took a turn for the better, we still had our rotten apples but for some reason they would stay together, so at valley you had your dumbasses all on one side and your smartasses on the other. I played waterpolo from my freshmen year to my senior year, we won league in 03, damm, that felt good, my good friend hugo scored the winning goal from a pass that i made to him after he was fauld in the two meter, it was a backhand shot, and the best feeling ive ever had. The things we had to do to win that championship..GOOD TIMES....

Although I lived off of St. Gertrude Pl. / Center by Valley...I attended SAHS (Class of 88). Knew a lot of people at Valley and still keep in touch w/ a few. I happen to read a response from a Robin Powers. Would this be Robin Powers who lived on Castor St? If so, I lived across the street from you way back in the day. If not, no worries.

Valley is a great school. Survive Valley or SAHS, you will survive in life......

Greetings from the Dark Ages (Class of 63). These comments are a terrific written history, though somehow I think I'm glad to have gotten in and out before things turned as rough as they apparently did. We had none of that.

Not long ago I drove by the (old?) campus for the first time in many years. Not quite sure what is going on there. The board out in front says the school is closed and has moved, but there were plenty of students going in and out of there. I was expecting the neighborhood to look bad but actually it was pretty much as I remember it from the days of living there--ethnic changes but still everything looked well-kept.

The early 60s were an interesting transition. Vietnam was just getting started. TV was all about Ozzie and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver and when you consider we had no computers, no fax, no calculators, no digital anything, about 7 TV stations, and--God Help Us--Paris Hilton only meant the hotel. Valley's environment was engaging and supportive, and it was overall a great place to go to school. It shows through a lot of these posts, too.

Good luck to wherever Valley is now and all who will attend there. I'll drop by in another 44 years to see how it's changed.

I last visited this site over a year ago, I originally posted 03/06/06. I was class of 90! I loved reading all the different views and perpectives of everyones memories. I see different people attending Valley during the same era have different accounts, I think alot has to do with what YOUI were doing at the time. Its strange to see where so many have moved off to. I never thought I'd leave OC but I have. I still have family and visit all the time but its not the same. I miss everything about living in OC. I went John Adams, McArthur Jr High, and Valley, well there was that 1 year at Saddleback (it sucked). Ive meet a couple people where I work who graduated from Valley in the 60's. They seem to have great momories of it. I think I'll visit mom this weekend and take a drive by all the old stomping grounds. I have tons of memories from Valley. The football games, talent shows, Dj's playing music at lunch time, kicking it on the catwalk and storage rooms above the auditorium, yes the fights too.

Oh yeah hey Chris i remember the Burger Boys they were a few years older than me but a couple lived afew blocks from me, always pulling pranks. Go Falcons!

I GRADUATED IN 68' AND JUST LOVED IT. I TWIRLED A BATONFUN FUN- VALLEY WAS GREAT THENAND LITTLE TO NO TROUBLE AND WEWOULD ALWAYS DRIVE BY OTHER HIGHSCHOOLS AND THE POLICE CARS PARKEDOUT SIDE. WE DID NOT HAVE THAT THENAND THE TEACHERS WERE GREAT.

Damn...all I gotta say that it was weird how i got to this website unintentionally.I was reading a lot of the comments posted up and a couple of them took me back in time.I went to valley 2003-2004, my freshment and the beginning of my sophomore year.All I gotta say is that those were the best years of my life.although I did mess around a lot I was living life to the fullest.The homies and I ditched a lot and had fun it was wrong but at the time we didn't care. I remember the OCTM girls,smiles, shy girl, babyface,yolanda,Brenda ,all the girls and guys,gizmo"my man",minor,whisper, chivoand everyone else I forgot to mention would kick at tony's all the time and at the laundrymats.They use to tag the laundrymats everyday.I went the other day and the tagging is still there. I miss all the ditching parties.Well theres always been violence but hopefully someday that changes.I gots to go. shout out to everyone that knows me.Liz!!!

Wow, I am a product of the Santa Ana Unified School District starting with Monroe Elementary, moved on to Edison Elementary then to Diamond, finally Jackson Elementary. I then attended Carr Intermediate and Finally became a member of the graduating class of 1987 of the Santa Ana Valley High Falcons. Every once in a while I run across my class ring and go back to the good old days. I was in JROTC and would get bussed over to SAHS for that class. Our bus driver was some burnout named Jerry and he would sometimes let some of us ditch the class on his bus. Occasionally there were some "herbal supplements" shared amongst us followed by a stop to a donut shop down the street. I hung out with some guys, some that graduated and some that didn't. I was a member of the JROTC colorguard and we would travel with the band. Most of the time there was some type of intoxicant snuck aboard the busses and I shared with an unnamed sax player and also a trombone player. The goal at most of the band functions was to see how many girls from other bands we could score with, usually we would obtain a memento to commemorate the occasion, a part of their uniform was the norm; a glove, tassel or even the bloomers from the flag girls uniforms would be taken. On the bus ride home we would compare our loot. I also would ditch with my friends, usually at someone's house and drink as much as we could and go back to school. The weekends usually involved going to the former Orange Drive In and drink and smoke our fill. We would keep tally and whomever consumed the least alcohol would be the designated driver, usually not me. I don't know how we survived. Man, Santa Ana was such a different place and continues to change, I live out of state but my parents both live in SA but on different sides of the city. I wonder why the class of 87 held no reunion??

I'd just pull up my '65 Mustang to the north parking space, fix my collar, wink into my rearview mirror and get my education. I'd slam my locker door shut, shift through friends in the hallways, and get through the day. By 5th period I was stretching for waterpolo practice.

Those were the days,...girls, cars, and nothing but time. Youth was on my side.

Oh, my God! I had so much fun reading this. Thank you all for some great entertainment! Some of you I remember, some I've heard of or about. In any case, you are all Falcons. Falcons forever. Remember the words from the Alma Mater?...we go forth throughout our days? That is what we all have done is some way or another.

Some updaates:

Yes, for the lady who did not know that Santa Ana Valley existed. It did then, and it does now.

For the 'original' Falcons, Valley is undergoing renovations. Long over due. Valley was moved to a new school site (Godinez) for one year while major demolition was under way on campus. Lots of speculation about VHS closing for good is out there. Not true. Valley is packed and will be moving back in the next few days. Faculty begins reporting back as early as August 6th.

High School Inc. is coming. It will be a great program once it is up and running in full force (about three to four years). HSI is a pilot program of national importance. It is the only program of its kind. Good luck Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. Some are giving back!

Freddie's Dead. This is not a reference to a popular song from the blaxploitation films of the '70s. If this is the same Freddy from Diamond/Brooks Street area, he was thrown from the sun roof of a car returning from Vegas some years ago. 'nookie' (his sister, Janet?) lives back east.

In answer to your query, Ms. Ortiz, Norman Moss and the boys are still around. Robbie Boyd almost returned an interception back for a touchdown in the Rose Bowl.

The '80's. Yes, some great musicians and rappers: Remember the Shipp's? Awesome groups out there today too! Anyone remember a guy named O Brian? I hear he's released a new album. Supposed to be pretty good.

Arsenio Hall. No, he did not attend Valley, but his drummer on the Arsenio Hall Show did during the mid-late '70's.

Karl Denson. Still plays sax around the world. Wrote some of Lenny Kravitz's early stuff (when he was dating and later married Lisa Bonet). Currently performs with the Greyboy Allstars. You can google him and see his latest stuff.

Melvin Davis. Plays bass for the Pointer Sisters. Has an extensive discography. You can google him too.

Albert Wing (Checkers?), Chuck Niles of KKJZ knew Albert! I heard him say so while I was sitting in the audience at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Blew me a way!

James Butler (who still plays in the area) was band director to myriad current professionals.

Russell Campbell. Russ was named Band Director of the Year. For the Entire United States. Russ retired this year up north. Good Luck Russ.

VJ Lovero (R.I.P.). I think he had 12-18 Cover Photos for Sports Illustrated. The Mike Tyson eating ear shot, VJ. He was Staff Photographer for the Angels and the Ducks as well as editor for Upper Deck Trading Cards. His company, The Lovero Group, may still be high profile.

Gary Ambrose. Photo Editor for the Los Angeles Times. I'm not sure where he is now. But Ranier Lopez's studio is in the Santa Ana Lofts.

Michael...thanks for all this information. It's so good to know that there's still a lot of good things about VHS and how it changed some people's lives. Planning on visiting soon, need to show my family my school, old house, beach, etc... etc...it's all been a huge part of my life that I have never regretted!! Class of '91!

Hi,My brother/sisters and I all attended VHS in the early 80's and we all had our share of good and bad memeories. The school wasn't too bad if you stayed out of trouble. My sister and I were in the cross country team that went to the nationals one year. I personnally attended only my freshmen year before moving to Anahiem, but I had very good memoreis of the school. I made alot of friends that to this day have a special place in my heart. Great memories!!!

LOL @ this blog..man...i am 1 of the 7 siblings that went to Valley..class of 89, 92, me "95"..and so on. Anyway, I didn't think Valley was that bad at all. It was just a bunch of lil kids thinking theyre all bad and crap...and..well, hate to burst anyones bubble but that is happening everywhere. All schools have their lil wannabes and stuff. I too was a wannabe..i mean, who ever heard of a samoan being in F-Troop?..lol..who does that?!?!...Busters...thank God I grew up! Now I claim BLOOD!..The Blood of Jesus that is! Love you all Falconators! Falcon Fever..Catch It!! Oh yeah...Santa Ana...One thing that will stick out forever is cruisin down Bristol and eating at good 'ol Me-n-Eds...so bomb,,oh yeah..and an all beef burrito from El Tapatia!

I graduated from SAVHS in 1984. I also attended Diamond Elementary and Carr Intermediate (a few years after they renamed it from Smedley)

I lived on West Occidental Street directly across from the student parking lot. Sadly, I can confirm that much of what Steve wrote is true. However, the violence was NOT an everyday occurrence. Many gang fights did happened on the SAVHS campus - usually on the parking lot. However, this usually occurred late in the day/evening much after school let out so that most students only knew about it by word of mouth, if at all. I got to see much of it as I lived so close to the school. However, the school itself was fairly free of violence during the school day.

I, too, remember the knifing murder at Carr (I believe I was in 7th or 8th grade when it happened) and it occurred early during the school day and many classrooms were locked down while the police combed the campus for suspects.

Given all of that, these incidents were isolated from the general student body and limited to those involved in the gangs (F-Troop, United Browns, Delhi are the ones I remember offhand).

I reflect fondly on many good memories from my days at Valley and know that I obtained a first-rate education from the many dedicated and caring teachers there.

I owe much of my subsequent academic success to their instruction and guidance.

Every time I go swimming, I thank Coach Cholo (Cholodenko) for teaching me how!

I learned how to weld using an oxy-acetylene torch at Valley. Do they still have shop classes there?

Bernie Hawn, I believe he taught Art Class. He was an aspiring actor and went to a lot of on-set tv show tapings. He took us in his class to a taping of "Night Court" before the program was popular.

Andres Martinez, one of the graduates of the Class of 1984, is currently an English Teacher at Valley and has been for some time.

I was in Charles (Chuck) Staudenbaur's Chemistry and Physics classes. I remember Mr. Staudenbaur missed 1/2 a year because he was the jury foreman on a murder trial for a Mafioso but I cannot recall if this was during Chem or Physics. The Mafioso was convicted.

Mr. Staudenbaur passed away in 1985 or 1986 succumbing to Brain Cancer. I believe he was ill my senior year but he never let on...

He was a good sport. I wrote for The Talon (the school paper) and got to write a fictional piece for the April Fool's edition. I wrote about Mr. Staudenbaur losing his mind and threatening to blow up a class full of students. He was good with it and allowed us to photograph him all crazy-haired and wild-eyed as if he really had gone postal!

Anybody else out there from the Mighty Class of Eighty-Four?

From the Azure Sky comes Valley's Blue. From the Sunset Gold our Amber Hue.Blue for ValorGold for WorthWe Go Forth throughout the EarthValley High we sing thy praiseFor now, and all our days.

Hi Steve this is David Melendez, i went to Valley in 1981 and 1982, I use play handball all the time at lunch and pe. I keep in touch with a few people from Valley back in the day like Norman Moss. I went to Monte vista and Carr then Valley. If anyone has a 1981 or 1982 yearbook for sale let me know will pay top dollar. Calirican@verizon.net anyone remember l.c. the security guard, he was pretty cool.

Hey Steve! I am not sure if you are talking about the same SAV from the 80's.. I am going to agree with Claire and Glen, you must have not been part of the fab crew. I went to SAV for the entre 4 yrs and I had the best experiences in life.. I graduated in 1983. I was a Varisty Cheerleader, Most Popular, Best Dressed and so on and so on.....My crew: Claire Ortiz, Michelle Thomas, Cheryl and Carol Lievanos, Tonya Harmon, Nancy and Cathy, Manny, Dave,Thea, Denver, Craig, Fruit, Lil Fruit, Swivel, Mike and Tony Neal, Willie Mack, Danny, Glen, Ruth, April, Annette, Chrissy P, Richard, Greg S, Robert W, Stephanie, Angie, and many more... I loved it and would not be who I am today without the real OC....

Hi Steve, I graduated from SAVHS 1980, Everyone called me Big Dave. I had some great days at that school hanging with my friends. Denver, Mannie, Craig, Rodgyl, Fruitman to name a few. The school at that time was not ruined by drugs and gangs. It was a great school. Hi Kavyn, yes I remember you.

Hey everybody, does anybody remember the best dances and house parties hosted by Valley and people who went to Valley. So, for all the people who thought that Valley was violent, maybe it was only because you might of gotten trampled by a pop locking crew at a talent show or dance. Or maybe you got hit with a basketball of football at one of our many Century League Championship games. Valley was the shit in the 80's, and everybody in Orange County knew it.

Oh yeah, and remember everybody saying, "ohhh MOLDED". We had super ghetto fab cheerleaders, security guards who were super cool, and nobody cared about what color you were.

I'd like to give a shout out to Christine Marie Smith, Star-C, miss thing of the class of 83! What up!

Jim i graduated mt. view in "74" cause i told my parents i would not go to Valley with out a knife for protection you don't remember all the jumpings from the shades of brown ,"F" troop ? i grew up around grennville and warner most of my life went to John Adams, Mc Fadden ,SAV and MT, View Santa Ana is no longer part of the U.S.A. I moved in 2000 cause i no longer spok the language

Steve,I grew up in SantaBananna in the 80's; my parents still live there with all 8 million others in their neighborhood. :) I cruised Bristol before it was bad for your health. Too much lead flying around. Cheerios used to tell us where the partys were and he would pass out the fliers for all of our parties too.My friends were in the COMPS party crew. There were alot of party crews back then. Does anyone remember any of those? I played Baseball all four years at Valley. My Coach was Charlie Phillips (Mr.Fungo Phillips). I remember when he got his jaw broken at the first practice by a bad throw. I played with Gene Novella, Manny Martinez, Jimmy Ramirez, Bralio Ramos (RIP).What ever happened to Paul Peters, he was supposed to be the next NFL star? Susan Hatchet too where are you Why didn't anyone set up a reunion for the class of '87?I had sisters and a brother that went to Valley too....Carol ('83),Cheryl('84),and David('85). We lived behind the Salvation Army Youth Center (Raitt and Edinger) in the same neiborhood as Chistine Smith and Ardele Addison Leon's sister.

Glenn Warrinton.... I remember you, your brother Todd played Valley Little League with me at John Adams Park on Warner and Raitt.Your Dad was my coach and your mom was the team Mom. Hope all is going good with them all. My wife said she remembers delivering the newpaper with Laura on their bikes...that's when it was safe for little girls to do that.She was one of the few white girls in S.A. too.

D.L. Class of 1987 - The class with most Freshman ever coming in and the least to Graduate! True when I graduated in '87.

Hello all!I attended Santa Ana Valley High School, Class of 1986.I didn't witness any fighting or gang activity however I know it was present.I think that being involved in volleyball, softball and basketball(for the last two weeks of my senior year) kept me away from that stuff.I am sorry to hear about Mr. Hawn, he was one of my favorite teachers. I remember my Senior year I had him for first period and I was late just about every day. At the end of the year Mr. Hawn handed me two tardy cards (one completely full and one half way) he never turned them in! He will be greatly missed.Mr. Soto was one of the best teachers ever!(I hope he knows that). He truely cared about his students education. Mrs. O., photo class was a blast! Mr. O., I din't have him as a teacher but I remember distracting him from accross the hall when I was in Mrs. O's class!Mrs. Donovan, I don't know if I would have passed geometry if I had a different teacher. Mrs. Moeller (RIP) the best volleyball coach ever! I know I have missed some, but hats off to all of the great teachers!I miss Dawn and Vicki Kozak, they were such good friends to me! I need my yearbooks in front of me to be able to give the proper shout-outs!D.L., class of 1987, I know who you are...Christina (Lopez) is my sister.:)To Anonymous from the comment posted on August 21, 2007 at 5:05pm, thank you for reciting our Alma Mater (it almost made me cry)!I am proud to say that I am a Falcon from Santa Ana Valley High!

I went to SAV in 77-79 that's when i got kicked out.,Valley football games was always popping and the dances and house parties off the chain it was a little ruff. but it was a good school had great teachers Mrs.Sampson, Mr. Butler just to name a few.

My dad was transferred from Great Lakes, Ill to El Toro USMC, Ca in the early summer of 1955. We moved to Mc Fadden St (which was Fairview St back then) in Santa Ana. The Street was renamed to McFadden after the orange groves were mowed down between Raitt and which is now Fairview in 1957. Orange County really grew when the 5 Interstate from San Diego, Santa Ana, and Las Angles opened in 1956 making it easy to go to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and The Angles Stadium. I can remember the Mayor cutting the yellow ribbon off the 5 freeway at the 1st Street exit by Prentice Park. I remember walking through the farmland of cabbage patches, orange groves, corn fields and berry fields. We flew our kites without worry of losing them to power or phone lines. On the corner of McFadden and Bristol was a Richfield gas station and my dad filling the car tank with less then 2 bucks. McDonald Burgers on Edinger Street were only 13 cents except on Tuesday-then they were only 10 cents. Also the A&P market opened on the corner of McFadden and Bristol in the late 1950s. I went to Glenn L. Martin elementary school until I was in the 3rd grade then Monte Vista elementary opened in our area Emasculate Heart of Mary Church opened I made my 1st Communion, Confirmation, and was married at that Church. I went to Smedley Junior High (or Smelly due to all the cows) and SA Valley High 1964-67. I remember great pep-rally's and the kangaroo-court, fun times. I lived and worked in Orange County until 2006. Now Iam retired and live in a little town called Mentone, Ca, just down the hill from Big Bear. This little town population 5,000 with orange groves and avocado trees reminds me of the young growing days of Santa Ana. Thanks for this blogger and a walk down memory lane.Ruth, rvx10@aol.com

People actually liked this school? All I remember is fat cheerleaders, fat dance team, ugly girls, terrible cafeteria, gay teachers, horrible sports teams with no support, threat of being jacked, dirty bathrooms, old run down school and no party scene.

I read comments about SAVHS and violance in the 1980Addendum: though I wrote about the good old early days of my family life 1960 in Santa Ana I do have to say gang activity was a lot different in the 60s at SAV than what I have read about for the 80s. Just as adult gang organization, culture diversity gangs and juvenile delinquents are different so is the time line for the local gangs. Just think about it: 1965 the Black Panthers, organized after the death of Malcolm X: they fought for economic, social, and political equality for all. The Panthers started the Free Breakfast for school children, in 1969 they fed over 10,000 children everyday. Funds came from the money made off the Maoâ€™s Red Book sales. Raymond Washington a 15 year old high school youth founded blue bandana gang called the Crip and attempted to preserve the Panther aura. 1972 After a conflict between the Crip and the Pirus and other LA gangs, a new pack wearing a red bandana called the Blood. In 1980â€™s the ideology changed, no longer did gangs fight for equality instead they fought for turf rights for the sales of narcotics, cocaine, and other drugs. Thousands of dollars were made by gang member overnight. Homicides were on an upward surge. The shift was off equality for all to drug, money and greedâ€™ The first black gangs developed in So Cal in 1940-50 in defense from white teenage gangs determined to attack and harass black youth. In the 1960 era central LA; Watts, Central Ave, West Adams gangs scuffles were hand to hand fights or with knives and tire irons. In 1968 the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and two months later Robert Kennedy, a US politician sympathetic to the civil rights movement was also assassinated. So then in the 1970-80 LA gangs, just 35 miles away from SAV, crawled its way into Orange County. Greed, drugs, turf, and money took over the civil rights ideas. Again adult gang organization, culture diversity gangs and juvenile delinquents are different so is the time line for the local gangs. Gang member do not look for revenues from legal aspiration, they just rob, kill, and open meth labs in local neighborhood. There was one kid in our neighborhood, name was Eddie (RIP) from Pomona, he said people donot fight hand to hand anymore, they just shot-shot to kill. Eddie was 16 when he was shot down in 1986 over a gang related problem.Ruth, RVX10@aol.com

To Mr. Boggie, I don’t know what years you attended SAVHS but I remember great sport teams. 1967 thanks to Bobby Carroll and other teammates the CIF football team came in 1st place. In 2003 the SAVHS water polo team played against Western high school (my grandsons was a senior and played for Western) and Valley won in triple overtime, WOW, what a great game. Does anyone else remember that game? SAVHS sport teams were great back in the 60s and were doing well in 2003, there were a lot of supporters at all the games I attended! Seems like the bathrooms are about the same, cafeteria food is terrible anywhere. From what I read on this site there’s a lot of people with good fun memories! Ruth, rvx10@aol.com

Steve,I just wanted to share a story with you. Last week i bought a 1983 Valley yearbook on ebay. It came all the way from pennsylvania. When i got it it said John on the cover. Well turns out it belonged to an old classmate of mine named John Uribe. Does anyone remember John? It was signed by a bunch of old classmates i knew, like cheryl lavanos and alot more, it just shows we live in a very small world. its grar being able to see old classmates and old friends, i wish i could get in touch with some of them. If anyone remebers me email me at calirican@verizon.net thanks, sincerely David Melendez class of 84

I saw someone on the street today that i recognized from Valley, an old crush i had. I then remembered her name, which i had totally fazed out of my mind at one point. Remembering that and all the goodtimes at Valley... made me go on the net and search for more. People, i miss you... i havent kept in touch with anyone. Every once in a while i'll run into people i knew at Valley... but its really rare. We do have lives to live and many have moved on to big n better things... either way, i love to sit n remember.

Anyway, I'm Romeo One... used to "RUN" a krew at Valley between 91-93... i was taggin', rappin' n dj-in'... ive lost many of my homies from back then and know there are a lot more put away. The truth of the matter is that there was a lotta shit going on back then... the youngester can say whatever "...why give us a bad rap, unintelligent blah blah"... dude, thats what this blog is for... our history at Valley. You dont know shit... shut up n listen. You're still in school.. phkn study or somn.

ANYWAY... for the rest of us. If you didnt know shit was going on at Valley between that time, then obviously you werent going out... i was "fortunate" enough to toura few schools like Century, Valley, Mt View n Centennial during my high school years. ...and i saw all sides of SANTANA.

It has nothing to do with braggin rights either... thats just the way we lived n grew up. When i run into people these days, the one thing we always say is "we're lucky to be alive...". Thats just the way it was...

Any homies that remember me or knew about me or know people i knew, please hit me up... id love hear from you and maybe reunite, do something KRAZY! check me out:

As a proud 1978 Valley Alumni I want to first say that I would honestly not trade my 4 years there for any other experience. Sure there were drugs and violence just like any other school. There were also 1100 or so black, white brown and every other color, race and ethnicity Falcons dominating in sports and academics as well. I recall PBS doing a documentary on campus on the diversity we enjoyed. We are famous and infamous, successful and struggling, but most of all Falcons.

I've been reading the comments from SAVHS alumni on this site and only found one person who graduated with me in 1962. We were the first class to attend all three years at Valley. The class of '61 only attended their Junior and Senior years. We '62 grads started as Sophomores the first year Valley opened, when it was just us and the Juniors, NO SENIORS! If my memory serves me right, I believe our football team of Sophomores and Juniors were also in the CIF Championships that first year coached by the best, Coach Dick Hill, who passed away last October.

I attended Edison Elementary and Lathrop Jr. High before entering Valley High. Half of my 9th grade classmates leaving Lathrop entered their Sophomore year at Valley High and the other half entered Santa Ana High as Sophomores. The Santa Ana Valley High School Class of 1962 is celebrating our 45th Reunion in August and many friends from the classes of '61 and '63 are also joining us this year. The first three graduating classes were very close, many classmates have kept in touch through the years, including those who went to Santa Ana High. I don't remember any of the negative things I've read here, our memories are great, it was a good time and place to grow up.

Wow!How i've enjoyed reading everyones posts.I born and raised in Santa Ana 61-76 Xmas day then moved back in 79 to the end of 80.I went to kinder garden at Diamond(yes I remember that lady in the red car trying to kill herself by running into the k-building At the light on Edinger).Then went to Rosita till 70(4th grade)then Jeffeson,McFadden and SAVH 75-76.Valley was a tough school Anyone remember Lenny Etiwati? Toughest dude in the "OC" He kept me out of trouble and help keep other friends out as well!To any of my old friends you can reach me at! Go Falcons!!!!!Surfers Rule!

I was a grad. from class of 66 (Rose Tapp) I just can't imagine attending any other school than Santa Ana Valley High!! I have nothing but fond memories. But-------- "The 60's were the best years too!" I moved to Arkansas in 1976 and regreat that I haven't been back to CA. My biggest dream is to someday revisit my old schools, Glen L. Martin, Smedley Jr. High and last but not least, Santa Ana Valley High! Through the years I have misplaced my year books. If anyone out there knows where I can purchase them 1964-1966, please eMail me at roseart@cablelynx.comPS: Would "Love" to hear from some of my old classmates!

I am a graduate of SAVHS, Class of 1990. Attended John Adams, then Carr. This is a trip down Memory Lane for me. My high school days were the best of my life! I believe, I know quite a few of you:

1. Victor, is your last name Madrigal?2. Futi the Hamo, I know all of your shout-outs and probably you too.3. Glenn Warrington, I grew up with your son, Erik. We used to play football in your front yard.4. Waterpolo guy with the '65 Mustang is either Javier or Armando.5. DL, is Darryl and I know all those baseball players very well. You are correct, we had the largest and loudest freshmen class ever. Over 1,000 and only 330 graduated.6. Cheerleader, I have to know you, but there were several. Gabby Zarate (R.I.P.) was one and she was killed by a drunk driver one evening our Senior year.

I'm still a resident of Santa Ana, the north part, but grew up on Greenville just north of Warner. Married my high school sweetheart. My friends will probably laugh at my post, but it's all good.

Hey there!Does anyone know where Bruce Gunthry is or Eddie Etiwati,David Trent,Matt Mc Donald ? Leave me an email!Now heres a tale from 75.Lenny E.,Dave T. And I are hanging out on the bleachers skippin class but dont have any smoke! So I had an idea! I grabbed an empty baggie off the ground and walked every row picking up roaches when I was done I had a Three finger bag of them.Life was good back then!Remember Tiger and his bread bag filled with 50 cent joints?

HEY STEVE, I WENT TO VALLEY IT WAS ONE OF MY MANY SCHOOLS THAT I HAD TO ATTEND. I GUESS YOU CAN SAY I WAS ONE OF THE MANY CAUSING GANG PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL BUT I OFTEN DID NOT GO TO SHOOL. I WENT THERE FOR ABOUT A YEAR 91" AND SEEN SO MANY THING HAPPEN. ALOT OF PEOPLE KEPT THEIR MOUTH CLOSED OF WHAT HAPPENED THERE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY DID'NT WANT ANY TROUBLE WITH THE GANGS THAT ATTENDED SCHOOL THERE. BUT I REALY ENJOYED MY STAY THERE. VALLY HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS MANY MEMORIES ESPECIALY IN THE HANDBALL COURTS WHERE EVERYTHING HAPPENED?

I graduated in the class of 66. I guess things have changed alot since then, but I have great memories of Valley in the mid 6o's I would love to hear from anyone who went to Valley back then my email address is lesharona@juno.com. I was Sharon Thacker back then and have a twin named Carol. We hung out with Judy Winterborn, Rose Tapp, Jennifer Storeim,Chuck Varela, Darlene Forkey, Linda Schank, Randy Krug to name a few. Carol and I both relocated last year to Elizabethtown, KY.

hey, i went to Valley 1974-1979 and yes i graduated. does any one know what happen to Darry Stewlow and his brother. dave miller,or Duke.I had a girlfriend named Heather Lang, i would love to know what ever happened to her. Back then the school was what you made of it. I am white but was very good in baseball, so i got respect, does anyone remember paul and myron white. Also Garry Tempelton was our most famous person to come from Valley.If anyone from my era i would love to talk to you , see how things turned out...VAV'S

Hi I am a current student at Valley High School and I think that this school is very rough. I think that is the staff fault because they do not do very much for the students, they only worry about the "excelent students" and the "brilliant ones". And they leave behind the ones that are not doing very well, the English learners.

I graduated from SAV in 1974. There were a couple of fights. One of them was in front of my locker. I remember Gary Templeton when he sign the contract with the St Louis Cardinals and some of the others. I remember being one of the original individuals that help open the Valley Villa in my junior year. I also remember Mr. Vincent trying to help me with my geometry and starting the gymnastics team. I remembered the joke I pulled on Mrs. Rhone giving her a weed on valentines day. I remember Mr. Boggie and how he swam my nickname for him was (shamu). I remember Mr. Stooker the German teacher. His classes help me a lot while I was stationed in Germany for three years, and Mr Stooker's photos of football games peaked my interest in photography. Yes, sometimes I did have a bad time while attending SAV, but as I look at it now. The teachers taught me a lot of skills that I still use today. Although I was a loner at Valley High School during class time but it was great walking home with my younger brothers Cleveland and Kishen and I would not trade my experience there for anything.

Hey, Steve: I'm so glad for your site. I graduated in '91. I had only 2 months left when my family decided to move to Fresno. I went to school in Fresno for the remainder of those months, but came back to Valley for the ceremony, I actually go 2 high school diplomas, hehe. My good friends were Troy Wines, Juan Riviera, Jason Lansing, Manual, and hung around with twins, Lydia and Gloria, Lin and Yuen, and other people from dance team and band groups. High school was one of the best things that happened in my life. If anyone remembers me, Ma, I'd love to hear from you.

Hi SteveJust to let you know that I went to Valley 70-71. I played football with coach Dick Hill one the best experience of my life. I also fell in love for the first time at this wonderful school. I was reading some of the negitive experiences former students had with violence but I would rather remember the positive things that happen to me. I'm 54 years old now and I still to this day see friends I meat their and they are like family to me know. I was very luckly to attend this school and I'll never be ashamed to say I am a Santa Ana Valley Grad.Thanks Tom

To: LIL BLACKY D.U.K You really need to go back and get your GED because you do not know how to spell or use proper grammar. You really should have gone to class and left the thug/gang life alone. This has truly been entertaining for me....

HEY STEVEWELL I'M A CURRENT STUDENT IN VALLEY AND IT'S PRETTY COOL BUT STILL MANY FIGHTS...MAINLY BETWEEN THE VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM AND THE GANGSTERS. THERE IS ALOT OF DRAMA BUT ANYONE CAN HANDLE THAT.THE TEACHERS ARE GREAT..WELL MOST OF THEM.SOME TEACHERS HAVE TALKED TO US ABOUT THE KANGAROO COURT..SPECIALLY MS.CONNER..THE COOK TEACHER AND THE ONE IN CHARGE OF VALLEY VILLA.BUT SHE RETIRED LAST YEAR.THERE HAS BEEN SOME DEATHS THEY SHOT THIS GUY BECAUSE OF GANGS.CINDY

Hey Steve, I feel really old now. I graduated from Valley in 1989. I went to John Adams and Carr. During my years at Valley there was not much violence but the whole CRIPS and BLOOD scene was starting to heat up. Besides the traditional gangs of Delhi, F-troop, South Side, and a few others, there were many party crews that eventually turned into gangs. Remember the COMPS, Da Boys, Family Hood and the Convicts? VW bugs were a big thing as I drove a black 64 VW and parked at the auto shop...good times. I sure miss the Doritos and taco sauce and kickin it with my friends at the wall. By the way, the OG Valley High School is under construction and students are going to a new school built at Centenial Park.

I am a SAV graduate from the class of 91. Reading all these comments brings back all the good times at Valley. I lived off Saint Gertrude/ Center in the heart of SOUTHSIDE territory. My family still lives there so I still see many people from Valley. Does anyone remember Veronica orozco? I know she got married to that fool Nick. Anyways, the area around valley is prety calm now. many of the SouthSiders are locked up after terrorizing the area for many years. I know a bunch of them.They have just finshed remodeling Valley. It still looks the same except for the front office and a new paint job. No more handball courts though.

Hey Steve. wassup to all my fellow Santa Ana Valley Class mates 84 to 87....I'm glad i was able to grow in and environment that was at some time a little rough but it just made me realize and showed me how to survive in the real world..I made it thru Valley playin sports.. Football and track kept me out of trouble most of the time..I made it to state in track and was proud to represent where I came from..Played a couple years in the NFL Washington Redskins and the NY Jets..Valley played a big part in my life to now..If i had to do it over I would ...Proud to say One of my good friends now a MD graduated from SA Valley..DR Robert Espinoza big ups dawg..We made the best of what we were dealt with...God bless all of you Class of 87..Paul Peters ppalace247@yahoo.com

Hey Steve. wassup to all my fellow Santa Ana Valley Class mates 84 to 87....I'm glad i was able to grow in and environment that was at some time a little rough but it just made me realize and showed me how to survive in the real world..I made it thru Valley playin sports.. Football and track kept me out of trouble most of the time..I made it to state in track and was proud to represent where I came from..Played a couple years in the NFL Washington Redskins and the NY Jets..Valley played a big part in my life to now..If i had to do it over I would ...Proud to say One of my good friends now a MD graduated from SA Valley..DR Robert Espinoza big ups dawg..We made the best of what we were dealt with...God bless all of you Class of 87..Paul Peters ppalace247@yahoo.com

Paul you are a legend and a great falcon but how can someone be in the band and play football at the same time. Did you have a band uniform under your football uniform for the half time shows? Also why were you the punter, I never seen anyone kick punts backwards. That Espinosa fella, man he sucked at football, they let anyone on the team in those days. He looked terrible in his uniform.

Does anyone know how to contact KEN ROBISON? He was drum major for the band in 1962 & 63. I really want to get in touch with his brother JAMES A ROBISON who graduated in '62. Ken & I graduated in '63. If anyone knows where they are please have them contact me, Audrey Hillhouse (now Corcoran)

Hey people i go to lorin griset now..but valley was the shit in 05-06 my freshmen and sophmore year...i saw fights n still seen more n more...im out valley high over all schools...N.E.R.D. K.L.A.N*TRIX*

Hey I went to Valley too that was a staight gangsters school. Golden west street, South Side, Troopers, Little Mafia, Da Boyz, Meco Side, Townsend Street, Delhi, Alley Ratts, But mainly Golden West and South Side. It's in South Side terretory. It was crazy after school fights and all kinds of shit. Well that's all I was into the rest of the shool kid well power to them for not getting into this shit and keepping it staight...........

SO YOU REMEMBER DA BOYZ? THEY STARTED OUT AS A PARTY CREW AND THEN A GANG. tHEY DIDNT LIKE BLACK FOLKS IN THEIR NEIGHBORGHOOD. LITTLE BY LITTLE, THEY STARTED MOVING OUT FRO THE AREA. THEN IT BECAME SOUTHSIDE. THERE ARE A FEW WHO STILL LIVE ON LAURA LINDA

The Comps was a mixed gang of mexicans a few blacks and samoans, the claimed west side wich is origanaly UNITED BROWNS now they are know as the WS COMPADRES i know many of the OG from that gang! Back in those days the had rivalry with DA BOYZ still do but no as hard as before. Both started out as party crew but now gangs some other gangs died out such as DOGTOWN, GOLDEN WEST STR, CUBBON STR, LIL BROOK STR, LIL MAFIA and many others.

I was suppose to graduate clss of 88' but ended up at Mtn View. Married 20 years to high school sweetheart who was Da'Boys prez at one time (thank God he now knows Jesus!). It was a rough school but it made me stronger. 1980's in SA were crzy but fun- I wouldnt change my high school experience one bit-I learned alot from it. Loved my buds like Pauline,Annabel,etc.. Skating ranch, Luigis, cross country, ditching 2 go 2 South Coast/beach/parties.

Bonnie Fachio,What year did you graduate? You seem to know a lot about the gangs. Did you hang in the COMPS hood too?Are you supoosed to be Bonafacio the baseball coach back in 1987? He SUCKED big time.

Id like to say whats up to all my old friends on South Sullivan st. In between edinger and mcfadden. And all the O.G.s on Golden West st. Remember Bristol st. Cruising that was the shit. R.i.p. Gilbert Abarca

I like to say what's up to all the Golden west street boys Tokes,Bandit,Sharky,Volture,Crow, Weasel,Ralphy,Monkey,Termite,Puppet,Wimpy,Boxer,Creeper,Sniper,Shady, and the rest of the STONEROS klick I miss all of you homeboys hope that life has been good to you all. Another x-mas so far away from home. The old Milk Beer and wine liquir store in the corner of Sullivan and Mcfadden? Hey big Block I cant forget about you homeboy does anyone remember that jam cruising bristol thats the homie Block. Rest In Peace CHATO. Juice i miss you too and your carnal Grizzly. Spanky where are you fool?

It's people like you that think your all that and shit because you graduated and got an education. You just forgot who you are and where you came from it's allways like that I bet you would'nt even stop by your moms or some brothers pad becaucase your on your high horse well more power to you who ever you are just dont fall of you horse with your success and when you feel lonely don't go looking for old friend. Selfish and big egos. Not only was Vally high a hang out I met great friend their some did not make it I life other did and I glad for them free will I'm not expecting anyone to follow me as some kind of example I got love for everyone of my homeboys gang bangers, drugies what ever they are their a part of life you sure don't do anything to help out with the problem so please mr. or ms. I got an education an a masters degree come by to Vally high or your old hood to say high and high five yourself for it............Stay true...........

Just because you're from Santana, it doesnt mean that you have to be a gangster. Thats the excuse too many use. Unfortunately, too many people in SA have low expectations for themselves because its not cool to go straight. Too many Latinos dont take advantages of the many opportunites there are for our people to acheive success. I grew up in the heart of South Side territory. I knew some of the homies but they all respected me because I was making something of myself. I have friends who are imprisoned for a long time. My best friend was murdered by some foolz for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. I've seen people die in front of my eyes. But you know, I havent let success get to my head. I still kick in the hood.

That's right keep it that way. It's allway going to be rough for us Hispanics everywhere. Beleive me I pretty much know what you went through I myself spent years for not wanting to get my act together now everything is cool maybe not they i want it to be but alot better than before. the problem does not start with the gangs and all that stuff it's all the b.s. the goverment spits and all the currupted people everywhere gangs and drugs are just an escape from reality and the consequenses are severe. But hard ball is played at all time in life wrong places at the wrong tmes, wrong friends. There more to life than just a success gangs or what ever it is that tickles you fancy. It's just a fase in life and it's up to that person to do what he think is right. I just want to let all the gang banger know that "homie i feel you all it's cool for a while but then it get old" Some times you got to let go and grow up or you'll get stuck on it for life.

Hey I know Bandit from Golden West that's Chema right? He was a a great person he had his little problem with the drug scean but he was a smart guy in school and a good friend. What ever happen to him?

Yeah, I knew Juice. He went to Carr and to Immaculate Heart for catechism. I think he went to Valley for a few years, then disappeared. I would see him sometimes at Immaculate Heart. Do you remember Al or Brolio Ramos? They lived in the hood.

OBIOUSLY THERE SOME THING CALLED MONEY $ YOU DO KNOW WHAT THAT IS QUE NO. WELL WE TAKE THAT MONEY AND WE BUY A COMPUTER THEN WE CALL THE ITERNET TECH TO INSTALL IT TO THE COMPUTER AND WALA THE GREATEST LIBRARY IN THE WORLD IS IN ACTION. WHY IS IT SOME LAME ALLWAY HAS TO START WRITING NONSENCE! PORFAVOR WE DO NOT LIVE IN THE STONE AGE BUT IF YOU RUN INTO SOME THING THAT LOOK YELLOEISH AND RED THAT BURNS IT'S CALLED FIRE.......